A total of 54 runners, walkers and their dogs turned out for the inaugural Paws in the Park fund-raiser for the Carson City Humane Society Saturday morning at Riverview Park.
Two-mile and 5-kilometer (3.1 miles) courses were set up for participants, all on dirt trails along the park's par course and down to the Carson River. Participants also benefited from unseasonably warm weather conditions.
"This is better weather than we get for our Fourth of July Run," race director Tim Tez remarked.
Nicholas Thiel was the first finisher for the 5-K in a time of 21 minutes, 6 seconds.
Jackie Taylor, 45, of Stateline and her dog, Chester, were second overall and the first woman with a time of 23:24 in what amounted to a warmup for the Clarksburg 30-K race today in the Sacramento area.
Ross McMahon of Incline Village was the first finisher in the 2-mile in 12:48, followed by 16-year-old Michael Coulam in 15:44 and Jan Howell in 18:47.
Ages of the entrants ranged from 10 to 68.
Proceeds from the event go to benefit the Carson City Humane Society's effort to provide a local shelter.
Paws in Park was hosted by the Sagebrush Stompers and Tahoe Mountain Milers running clubs, who will also put on the Sunset Rotary of Carson City Club Turkey Trot this coming Saturday.
The event will offer 5- and 10-K courses, starting at 9 a.m. from the Brewery Arts Center, located at 449 West King Street in Carson City. The fee is $20 if the entry is received by Monday ($22 afterward). A family rate of $65 (two adults, two children) is also available.
